Autumn Living in Calgary

While there is no shortage of stunning spaces to get your Calgary fall fix, the peaceful beauty of a tree-lined street this time of year is a must-do. Aside from sheer splendor, canopy trees bring a host of other benefits to a neighbourhood, including shelter from the elements (hot and cold) for pedestrians and bikers, reductions in stormwater runoff and increased property values. Here are some areas in Calgary well-known for their tree-lined streets – definitely worth checking out at this time of year:

Hiking and fall go hand in hand. The trails are quieter and more peaceful. The imagery is stunning. The air is crisp. And for those days when you don’t have the means to head to the mountains, there are a ton of fantastic urban hikes right within the Calgary city limits. Here is a list of our favorite local hikes:

1. Bowmont Park: take Silver Springs Boulevard to the end, and you’re at the edge of Bowmont Park. This off-leash hike offers spectacular views of the Bow River, and even includes a waterfall.
2. Edworthy Park: on the other side of the Bow River is Edworthy Park. This park has it all: playgrounds, picnic sites, a dog park….and of course, biking and hiking trails.
3. Fish Creek Park: Fish Creek Park has the honour of being the second largest urban park in Canada. With 80 kilometers of trails (30 of which are paved), there is no shortage of park to see. Fish Creek is also home to Sikome Lake, The Fish Creek Environmental Learning Centre, artisan gardens and the upscale dining establishment, The Ranch.
4. Nose Hill Park: Calgary’s largest municipal park, spanning more than 11 square kilometers and bordered by twelve residential communities, has no shortage of hiking trails. While the off-leash dog park sections of Nose Hill Park can get busy, the more remote areas of the park are often empty.
5. Weaselhead Flats: a former military training ground, the park was actually shut to the public following the 2013 floods upon the discovery of a number of undetonated explosives. The park has since been declared as safe by the Department of National Defence….however park visitors are instructed to call 9-1-1 if they see something that looks like an explosive. Explosives drama aside, this is a beautiful spot to spend a crisp fall day.